A project launched by The Fostering Network in 2023 offers all foster carers in Wales who leave fostering the opportunity to take part in an independent exit interview.
All foster carers at some point will leave their fostering service, therefore capturing the reasons why, as well as their experience of fostering, will provide invaluable information to improve local and national retention practice. Which will ensure foster carers can continue to provide loving, supportive and stable family environments for children and young people.
- A report is now available with findings from the first two years of interviews. Read it here.
The service launched on 1 June 2023 and included foster carers who were terminated of approval from 1 April 2023. An independent exit interview is offered to foster carers who resign from their service or are terminated of approval. We advise that it follows on from the panel process, with the interview taking place once the panel decision has been ratified.
The service focuses on mainstream carers from local authority and independent providers.
Guidance for fostering services on referring carers to The Fostering Network is provided. This includes information on the ‘opt-out’ option for foster carers; and details of how the independent exit interview is aligned with information shared in respect of Independent Reviewing Mechanism.
The independent exit interview is carried out by the project lead who has an excellent understanding of the complexities of fostering, as well as counselling and mediation skills, and experience of collaborating and co-producing with service teams.
Benefits for fostering services:
- A free and independent service offered on behalf of The Fostering Network.
- An opportunity for foster carers to discuss and reflect on their fostering journey with a skilled worker, with a chance to focus on the positives, especially if experiencing a challenging and emotional process of leaving fostering.
- Provide insight into the reasons for foster carers leaving and recommendations to enhance retention, with local reporting available to address localised issues.
- Information utilised to inform management reports, annual panel reports; and contribute to inspections to evidence how foster carers are feeding into local practice.
Benefits for foster carers:
- An opportunity to have their voice heard and share experience, views and opinions.
- Dedicated time to speak with a skilled worker with experience of advocacy, mediation, and counselling, providing a solution focussed ending to what might be an emotional time.
- Raise awareness of our active offer of counselling from local authorities, and independent services for those who are members with The Fostering Network.
Please contact the Project Lead - Jasmin Thorn (07541628352) to find out more information on offering independent exit interviews to foster carers as of 1 June 2023.